High frequency relay switch



April 9, 1968 E. E. MARQUIS 3,377,449

HIGH FREQUENCY RELAY SWITCH Filed Feb. 21, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 I 1g 19 I l H. r L. I '47 f/VVbWIOfL I n In. flag a r if Nargzzus 1 4 51 71 54 BY April 9, 1968 E. E. MARQUIS HIGH FREQUENCY RELAY SWITCH 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Jay 5.

Filed Feb. 21, 1966 & 40 14 lzvmwroig. Edgar E Marga (5' BY Hair, BZLKZ6S 24 Cesar! .HTTORNEYS.

United States Patent 3,377,449 HIGH FREQUENCY RELAY SWITCH Edgar E. Marquis, Newtown, Conn, assignor to Gorn Corporation, Stamford, Conn. Filed Feb. 21, 1966, Ser. No. 528,884 .10 Claims. (Cl. 200-153) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE the input and one of the output connectors.

The ,present invention relates to electrical switch relays. More particularly, it relates to radio frequency (RF) switch relays for selectively, electrically connecting a first high frequency coaxial transmission line to any one of a plurality of second high frequency coaxial transmission lines.

High frequency coaxial switch relays adapted to selectively pass RF energy from an input coaxial connector to any one of a plurality of output coaxial connectors are known in the art. The need for dependable, inexpensive RF components including coaxial switch relays has increased substantially as more and more use is made of ultra-high frequency electrical energy for communication. In many instances, mobile stations are implemented with communication systems. As a consequence, severe size and weight limitations are placed on the components of such systems. Moreover, the various system components, including RF switches, must meet rigorous standards of ruggedness anddurability.

' From the standpoint of their electrical characteristics, 1

such RF switch relays must be closely impedance matched to the coaxial lines connected thereto to prevent generation of undesized'standing waves. In addition, maximum isolation must be achieved'between those connectors selected to pass RF energy and the remaining coaxial connectors in order that cross talk be held to a minimum.

Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved RF switch.

An additional objectis to switch of the above character.

A stillfurther object is to provide an RF switch relay of the above character which is of small Size and light weight.

of the above character which is simple design and inprovide a relay operated Still another object is to provide a coaxial switch relay of the above character which is selectively operable to at least three separate and distinct switch conditions.

Yet another object is to provide a coaxialswitch relay of the above character in whiclithe internalRF circuitry of the switch is closely impedance matched to' coaxial transmission lines connected thereto, and in which maximum isolation is achieved between the internal RF switchcircuitry selectively connected to pass RF energy and the remaining disconnected RF switch circuitry.

Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter;

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

For a better understanding of the nature and the ob jects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a prespective view of a coaxial switch relay constructed according to my invention; A

FIGURE 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view, partially broken away, taken along line 3-3 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 6 is an exploded view, in perspective, show ing the cavity block and relay assembly of FIGURE'Z;

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of the cavity blockinverted from its orientation shown in FIGURE 6; and

FIGURE 8 is a wiring diagram of the electrical connections between the various relay solenoids and the external switch terminals.

Similar reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Referring now to the drawings and specifically to FIG- URE 1, a coaxial switch relay, generally indicated at 10 and constructed according to a preferred embodiment of my invention, includes an electrically conductive housing 12 enclosing the internal RF circuitry and switchopcrating parts. An electrically conductive cover 14, held in place by screws 15, closes off the interior of the housing 12 from the entry of dust and other contaminates. A coaxial input connector 16 mounted by the housinglZ and communicating with the interior of the switch 10, facilitates connection by a coaxial transmission line (not shown) to an RF source. Three coaxial output connectors, indicated at 18, 19 and 20, mounted to an end wall of the housing 12 and communicating with the interior of the switch 10, facilitates connection by coaxial transmission lines (not shown) to separate utilization devices. RF energy supplied to the input'connector 16 is passed in accordance with the selected contact condition of the switch relay 10 to one of the three output connectors 18, 19 and 20. The various relay switch conditions are established by selective application of electrical potential to terminals 22, 23 and 24 mounted on the rear end wall of housing 12, but electrically insulated therefrom.

As best seen in FIGURE 6, included among the parts accommodated within the enclosure 12 are a relay assembly, generally indicated at 26, anda cavity block 28. The relay assembly 26 includes three solenoids 30, 31 and 32 affixed to an L-shaped frame 34.

Relay solenoid 31 is offset rearwardly from solenoids 30 and 32, be positioned more closely together. This physical arrangement permits a substantial reduction in the width dimension of the switch relay 10 then would otherwise be possible. The relay solenoids are aflixed to the bottom portion of the L-shaped frame 34 by'any suitable means.

The upright portion of the L-shaped frame 34 isformed having three notches 35. Armatures 35, 37 and 38 individually attractable by the solenoids 30, 31 and 32, respectively, are each formed with opposing notches 39 adjacent their broad rearward ends permitting the armatures to slip into the notches 35. The segments of the frame 34 extending above the armatures provide tabs 40 which are thereby permitting the latter two solenoidsto slit and peened over to individually pivotally mount the armatures to the frame 34.

As seen in FIGURES 2 and 5, generally L-shaped hairsprings 42, with their lower ends lodged in holes 43 in the frame 34, are disposed with a portion extending in underlying relationship with the armatures 3638. These hairsprings 42 individually bias the pivotally mounted armatures upwardly and away from the upper ends of the solenoids 3032.

The electrically conductive cavity block 28, seen in FIGURES 6 and 7, is preferably formed as a single casting having a major body portion 46 and a ledge portion 47. As seen in FIGURE 7, the body portion 46 is formed with channels 48, 49 and 50. An integrally formed partition 51 separates channel 48 from 49, and a like channel 52 separates the center channel 49 from channel 58. Partitions 51 and 52 terminate short of an end wall 53 such that channels 48-50 open into a transversely extending channel 54. Channels 48 and 50 are open to the front surface 55 of the cavity block 28. The center channel 49 includes a verticalchannel portion formed in the front surface 55 of the cavity block 28.

The cavity block 28 and the relay assembly 26 are disposed within the housing 12 in the manner best seen in FIGURE 2. The cavity block 28 i positioned within the housing 12 and held in place by screws 57 (FIGURES 1 and 2) extending through the front end wall of the housing and threaded into tapped holes 58 drilled in the front surface 55 of the cavity block 28. The relay assembly is positioned within the housing 12 with its bottom resting on the ledge 47 of the cavity block 28. Screws 60 project through aligned holes 61 and 62 in the housing 12 and the ledge 47, respectively, and thread into holes 63 in the bottom portion of the frame 34 of the relay assembly 26. In this fashion, the cavity block 28 and the relay assembly 26 are rigidly secured within the housing 12 of switch 10. The screws holding the cover 14 in place thread into tapped holes 65 in the major body portion 46 of the cavity block 28.

Referring now to FIGURES 2 and 4, the coaxial input connector 16 includes an electrically conducting body 67 fitted in an aperture 68 formed in the housing 12 and held in place by suitable means such as solder. The body 67 constitutes the outer conductor of the output connector 16 and is electrically connected to the housing 12. A center conductor 69 is positioned coaxially within the body 67 by an intermediate dielectricsleeve 70. A pin 71 has one end fitted in an axial bore formed in the central conductor 69 of the output connector 16. The other end of pin 71 projects into the transverse cavity 54 formed in the cavity block 28. An insulating disc 72 is seated on an internal shoulder 73 formed in the body 67 of input connector16 and held in place by a metal bushing 74. The pin 71 extends through a central hole in the disc 72 thereby being rigidly mounted coaxially relative to the body 67 while being insulated therefrom. The upper end of the pin 71 mounts a transverse contact bar 76 which is positioned in the transverse cavity 54. The contact bar 76 is fixed to the upper end of the pin 71 for direct electrical connection therebetween and for mechanical mounting by means such as solder.

Referring now to FIGURES 2 and 3, the coaxial output connectors 18, 19 and 20, while of smaller size, are constructed in similar fashion to input connector 16 and have outer conductor bodies and coaxial central conductors insulated therefrom by dielectric sleeves. The output connectors are mounted in apertures in the housing 12 and secured in place by solder for electrical connection to the housing 12. The output connectors 18, 19 and are mounted for respective alignment with each of the channels 50, 49 and 48. The central conductors of each of the output connectors 18, 19 and 20 project into the interior of the housing 12 and mount rods which extend partially through the various channels formed in the cavity block 28.

Thus, as seen in FIGURE 2, one end of a rod 78 disposed in channel 48 is soldered to the central conductor of output connector 28. Similarly, a rod is atfixed at one end to the central conductor of output connector 18 and extends partially into channel 50.

As seen in FIGURE 3, the central conductor of output connector 19 is soldered to one end of an L-shaped rod 79 positioned in the center channel 49. It is thus seen that by extending the channel 49 into the front surface 55 of the cavity block 28 and employing the L-shaped rod 79, the output connector 19 may be offset from the positions of output connectors 18 and 28. Thus, sufiicient spacing between these output connectors is provided for connection to coaxial transmission lines while holding the transverse dimension of the switch 18 to a minimum.

The free ends of the outer rods 78 and the center rod '79 are slotted to receive resiiient switch reeds. Rod 78 in channel 48 holds switch reed 80 as seen in FIGURE 2. The L-shaped rod 79 in central channel 49 holds switch reed 81 as seen in FIGURE 3. The other rod 78, disposed in channel 50, holds a switch reed 82 (FIGURE 4). These switch reeds extend longitudinally through their respective channels with their free ends extending into transverse cavity 53. The free end of each switch reed is fitted with a double headed contact button 84 adapted to make electrical contact with either the contact bar 76 electrically connected to the central conductor of the input connector 16 in one position or with cavity block 28 (switch reeds 88 and 82) or the housing 12 (center switch reed 81) in a second position. The cavity block 28 and the housing 12 are at the same electrical potential, i.e. typically ground potential.

The channels 48, 49 and 50, when the cavity block 28 is in position, cooperate with the housing 12 to provide coaxial cavities through which RF energy may pass when the switch reeds, operating as central conductors, contact the transverse contact bar 76 electrically connected to the central conductor of the input connector 16. The cavities and their central conductors are dimensioned for a reasonably close impedance match to the characteristic impedance of the various connectors and coaxial transmission lines to avoid development of standing waves in the switch cavities.

To achieve the desired positioning of the switch reeds in accordance with the selective energization of the relay solenoids 30, 31 and 32, push rods 86 of electrically insulating material such as polycarbonate (best seen in FIGURES 2 and 6) are mounted for lengthwise movement in holes 88 formed in the cavity block 28. The holes 88 are positioned such that each push rod 86 projects into one of the channels 48, 49 and 50. One end of each push rod 86 is engaged by its associated relay armature 36, 37 and 38 upon electrical energization of the various solenoids. Incident to the downward movement of the push rods 86, their other ends engage the switch reeds 80, 81, 82, deflecting them to appropriate contact positions.

In the disclosed switch embodiment, as best seen in FIGURES 2 and 4, switch reed 80 disposed in channel 48 and switch reed 82 disposed in channel 50 are nor mally in electrical contact with the cavity block 28. Switch reed 81, disposed in the central channel 49, is normally electrically contacting the contact bar 76. Thus, when none of the relays are energized, the center conductors of input connector 16 and output connector 19 are electrically connected in series through the switch reed 81 and the L-shaped rod 79. RF energy is therefore passed from input connector 16 to output connector 19. When relay solenoid 31 is energized, the armature 37 is attracted thereto resulting in a depression of the center push rod 86 thereby deflecting the switch reed 81 from its normal position contacting the transverse contact-bar 76 to a contact position grounded against the housing 12. Thus, the input connector 16 is electrically disconnected from the output connector 19 and RF energy-does not pass therebetween.

rods 86 to deflect outer switch reeds 80 and 82 from their normal positions electrically contacting the cavity block 28 to positions electrically contacting the transverse contact bar 76 disposed in transverse cavity 54. RF energy is thus coupled from the input connector 16 to output conneetors 18 or 20.

The length of the switch coaxial cavities (channels 48, 49, 50) is substantially less than a quarter wave length of the RF energy handled by the switch 10. When the switch reeds are grounded, the associated cavities become wave guides operating below frequency cutolT. RF, energy will not propagate therein, and cross talk between the input connector 16 and the disconnected output connectors is substantially eliminated.

The wiring diagram of FIGURE 8 shows the operation of the switch relay embodiment but other RF switching arrangements may also be readily achieved. As noted above, when all relay solenoids are de-energized, switch reed 81 is contacting the transverse contact bar 76, and RF energy is passed from the input connector 16 to the output'connector 19. Since the switch reeds 80 and 82 electrically connected to the central conductors of output connectors 18 and 20 are grounded, no RF energy is passed from the input connector 16 to these output connectors. It will be noted from FIGURE 8, that one side of solenoid 31 operating the switch reed 81 is connected to the common terminal 23. If an electrical potential is applied across terminals 22 and 23, solenoid 30 aswell as solenoid 31 is energized. Similarly, if an electrical potential is applied across terminals 24 and 23, solenoids 32 and 31 are energized. Thus, solenoid 31 is always energized when either of the other two is energized.

It will thus be seen that if solenoids 30 and 31 are energized, switch reed 81 is grounded while switch reed 82 is deflected into electrical contact with the transverse contact bar 76. Since solenoid 32 is not energized. switch reed 80 remains grounded. Consequently RF energy is passed from the input connector 16 to the output connector 18 while output connectors 19 and 20 are effectively disconnected from the input connector 16. When solenoid 32 is energized with solenoid 31, switch reed 80 is deflected into contact with the transverse contact bar 76 which switch reeds 81 and 82 are grounded. Thus RF energy is passed from the input connector 16 to the output connector 20. Of course, when none of the solenoids are energized, the switch reeds, due to their resiliency, return to their normal positions wherein switch reed 81 is contacting the contact bar 76 and switch reeds 80 and 82 are grounded.

It should be noted that my novel switch relay operation is achieved by positioning the free end of the switch reed 81 on the opposite side of the transverse contact bar 76 from the free ends of switch reeds 80 and 82.

Since solenoid 31 is energized when either of the other solenoids 30 and 32 are energized, the above described switching operation may be achieved with only two solenoids rather than three. Using two solenoids, separate mechanical linkages may be provided for connecting the two outside armatures 36 and 38 to the center armature 37. These linkages would be independently operable such that when one of the outside armatures moves downwardly, its movement is communicated to the center armature 37 but not to the other outside armature.

To gang the center armature with each outside armature, lateral extensions may be provided on the outside armatures which extend inwardly to overlie the center armature 37. Lateral extensions from the center push rod 86 may be provided; these extensions being engaged upon downward movement of either of the outside armatures 36 and 38 thereby eliminating the center armature.

While the disclosed switch relay operates to connect only one output connector to the input connector at any one time, it will be readily appreciated that by merely varying the wiring connection for energizing the various solenoids, two or more output connectors could be simultaneously connected to the input connector.

It will thus be seen that the object set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efliciently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Having described my invention, what I claimas new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A radio frequency coaxial switch relay comprising, in combination:

(A) an electrically conductive housing;

(B) a first coaxial connectormounted on said housing, said first connector having 1) an outer conductor electrically connected to said housing, and (2) a central conductor;

(.C) a plurality of second coaxial connectors mounted on a wall of said housing, each second conductor having (1) an outer conductor electrically connected to said housing, and Y (2) a central conductor; (D) plural elongated, resilient switch reeds in said housing, 1

(1) each of said reeds fixed to and electrically connected at its one end to the central conductor of a difierent one of said second coaxial connectors;

(E) an electrically conductive cavity block having (1) plural elongated open channels separately formed therein and arranged in parallel relationship,

(a) one of said channels associated with each of said second connectors and partially surrounding the one of said reeds associated therewith;

(b) said plurality of channels co-operating with an inner surface of said housing to provide a corresponding plurality of enclosed cavities;

(F) a relay assembly in said housing and including (1) plural solenoids (2) operating movable armatures overlying said block,

(3) push rods mounted in said block for lengthwise movement,

(a) said p-ush rods operating in response to movement of said armatures to selectively position the free ends of said switch reeds to electrically contact either the wall of its associated cavity or said central conductor of said first connector pursuant to coupling RF energy between said first connector and selected ones of said second connectors.

2. The device defined in claim 1 wherein said channels and second connectors are at least three in number,

( 1) said channels being arranged in side by side relationship.

3. The device defined in claim 1 wherein said switch reeds are disposed in a plurality of first cavities, said device further including (G) means forming a second cavity in said block extending transversely to said first cavities,

(l) the ends of said first cavities remote from said second connectors opening into said second cavity, and

(H) a contact bar physically mounted and electrically connected to said central conductor of said first connector,

(1) said contact bar being centrally disposed in said second cavity,

(2) said free ends of said reeds extending into said second cavity to electrically contact said contact bar at points spaced along its length.

4. The device defined in claim 3 wherein the free end of one of said switch reeds is disposed above said contact bar while the free ends of the other switch reeds are disposed below said contact bar.

5. The device defined in claim 4 wherein at least one of said switch reeds is normally contacting said contact bar and the remaining switch reeds are normally contacting a side of said second cavity.

6. The device defined in claim 5 which further includes,

(1) electrical circuitry for energizing said solenoids such that only one of said switch reeds electrically contacts said contact bar at any one time.

7. The device defined in claim 2 wherein there are at least three solenoids, and

(1) one of said solenoids is longitudinally offset from the other solenoids whereby reduction in the transverse dimension of said switch relay is provided.

8. The device defined in claim 2 wherein one of said second connectors is physically offset from the remaining second connectors,

(1) the one of said channels associated with said offset second connector being formed in at least two adjacent surfaces of said terminal block to terminate at one end adjacent said offset second connector.

9. The device defined in claim 2 which further includes,

(G) a rigid rod centrally disposed in each of said channels,

(1) said rods physically mounting and electrically connecting said reeds to said central conductor of said second connectors.

10. The device defined in claim 9 wherein one of said second connectors is physically offset from the remaining second connectors,

(l) the one of said channels associated with said offset second connector being formed in at least two adjacent surfaces of said block to terminate at one end adjacent said offset second connector,

( 2) the one of said rigid rods physically mounting and electrically connecting said reed to said central conductor of said offset second connector having an L- shaped configuration,

(3) the other of said rods having a substantially straight configuration.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS ROBERT K. SCI-IAEFER, Primary Examiner.

30 H. BURKS, Assistant Examiner. 

